Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.—Romans 6:6–7 (NKJV)
A picture of a puppy on Facebook made me smile. The photographer caught the canine bounding toward the camera. Its ears were laid back as though windblown, and its tongue flapped from the corner of its mouth. Its facial expression reflected sheer delight. The caption said, “Live like someone left the gate open.” I looked at that photo and thought, This is the way we, as believers, ought to live.
Before I gave my life to Jesus, the enemy of my soul kept me in chains. He held me captive in his kingdom of darkness. I was a slave to sin and doomed to its consequences. But Jesus purchased my freedom. He broke those chains and opened the gate.
Sometimes I live as though I’m still locked up. I repeat the same sinful behaviors, think the same sinful thoughts, and fall into the same sinful habits time and time again, helpless to change.
When I feel that way, I remind myself of the truth: I was crucified with Jesus when I chose to follow Him. My old self died, sin’s chains fell off, and I am free! Learning to live from that truth is difficult, but Scripture says it can be done. I want to live like someone left the gate open because the truth is that Jesus did.
Faith Step: Make a small paper chain. When you feel helpless, tear off one of the links and toss it away to remind yourself that with Jesus you are free.
Adapted from Mornings with Jesus
